Believing in Magic

The Psychology of Superstition - Updated Edition

Stuart A. Vyse

An engaging account of what superstition is, why we have superstitious beliefs, and who is most likely to be superstitious

Examines the science behind this normal part of human behavior

Provides alternative ways to cope with life's uncertainties

New to this Edition:

Features a new Introduction as well as updated text throughout

Believing in Magic

The Psychology of Superstition - Updated Edition

Stuart A. Vyse

Description

While we live in a technologically and scientifically advanced age, superstition is as widespread as ever. Not limited to just athletes and actors, superstitious beliefs are common among people of all occupations, educational backgrounds, and income levels.

In this fully updated edition of Believing in Magic, renowned superstition expert Stuart Vyse investigates our tendency towards these irrational beliefs. Superstitions, he writes, are the natural result of several psychological processes, including our human sensitivity to coincidence, a penchant for developing rituals to fill time (to battle nerves, impatience, or both), our efforts to cope with uncertainty, the need for control, and more. In a new Introduction, Vyse discusses important developments
and the latest research on jinxes, paranormal beliefs, and luck. He also distinguishes superstition from paranormal and religious beliefs and identifies the potential benefits of superstition for believers. He examines the research to demonstrate how we can better understand complex human behavior. Although superstition is a normal part of our culture, Vyse argues that we must provide alternative methods of coping with life's uncertainties by teaching decision analysis, promoting science education, and challenging ourselves to critically evaluate the sources of our beliefs.

Believing in Magic

The Psychology of Superstition - Updated Edition

Stuart A. Vyse

Table of Contents

Introduction1. Believing in Magic2. The Superstitious Person3. Superstition and Coincidence4. Superstitious Thinking5. Growing Up Superstitious6. Is Superstition Abnormal, Irrational, or Neither?7. A Magical View of the World